Energy system

Abstract

To provide a system that improves energy efficiency.SOLUTION: An energy system 10 has a partial oxidation reformer 11, a fuel cell part 12, and an electrolytic part 13. The partial oxidation reformer 11 generates fuel from raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming. The fuel cell part 12 generates electricity by using the fuel. Heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer 11 is supplied to the electrolytic part 13. The electrolytic part 13 electrolyzes at least water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to energy systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A methane generation system has been proposed in which methane is generated by electrolyzing water in an electrolysis section (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7270865 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for improved energy efficiency in water electrolysis systems.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy system that improves energy efficiency compared to when the configuration of the present disclosure is not used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the energy system according to the first aspect is as follows: a partial oxidation reformer that generates fuel from a raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming; a fuel cell unit that generates electricity using the fuel; and an electrolysis section that is supplied with heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer and electrolyzes at least water. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the energy system according to the present disclosure configured as described above, energy efficiency is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an energy system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fuel cell device to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1, an energy system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a partial oxidation reformer 11, a fuel cell unit 12, and an electrolysis unit 13. The energy system 10 may further include a heat exchange unit 14 and a methane generation unit 15.

[0011] The partial oxidation reformer 11 produces fuel from a raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming. The raw fuel may include light hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane. The fuel may include hydrogen. The partial oxidation reformer 11 generates heat by a partial oxidation reforming reaction, which is an exothermic reaction. The heat generated by the partial oxidation reforming may be used to heat the electrolysis unit 13, may be used to heat the fuel cell unit 12 at the start-up, or may be used to heat the air supplied to the fuel cell unit 12.

[0012] The raw fuel to the partial oxidation reformer 11 may be supplied from outside the energy system 10. The outside may be, for example, a gas company pipe or a gas tank transported from a gas company. The raw fuel may be supplied from the methane generation unit 15, as described below. The oxygen used in the partial oxidation reforming reaction may be supplied to the partial oxidation reformer 11 as air from the atmosphere. In addition, the oxygen used in the partial oxidation reforming reaction may be supplied from the electrolysis unit 13, as described below.

[0013] The fuel cell section 12 generates power using fuel. More specifically, the fuel cell section 12 generates power through an electrochemical reaction between the fuel and an oxidant such as oxygen contained in the air. The fuel cell section 12 may include a cell stack. The cell stack may include a plurality of fuel cells. The plurality of fuel cells may be stacked. The fuel cell may be a solid oxide fuel cell, a solid polymer battery, or the like. In the fuel cell section 12, Joule heat is generated during power generation.

[0014] At least a portion of the carbon dioxide generated by the power generation of the fuel cell unit 12 may be discharged into the atmosphere. Alternatively, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide generated by the power generation of the fuel cell unit 12 may be stored in the first tank 16 and shipped. Alternatively, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide generated by the power generation of the fuel cell unit 12 may be supplied to the electrolysis unit 13.

[0015] The electrolysis unit 13 electrolyzes at least water to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis unit 13 may electrolyze water together with carbon dioxide by co-electrolysis. In the following description, the electrolysis unit 13 generates hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide by performing co-electrolysis of water and carbon dioxide.

[0016] Water to the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied from outside the energy system 10. The outside may be, for example, a water pipe. Carbon dioxide to the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied by being captured or separated from the atmosphere. Alternatively, carbon dioxide to the electrolysis unit 13 may be carbon dioxide generated by an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell unit 12.

[0017] At least a portion of the oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be discharged into the atmosphere. At least a portion of the oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied to the partial oxidation reformer 11, as described above. A purge gas such as nitrogen may be used to supply the oxygen generated in the electrolysis unit 13 to the partial oxidation reformer 11. In a configuration using a purge gas such as nitrogen, the flow rate of the purge gas may be adjusted so that the oxygen concentration exceeds the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere.

[0018] At least a portion of the hydrogen produced by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied to the methane production unit 15. In addition, at least a portion of the hydrogen produced by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be stored in the second tank 17 and shipped. At least a portion of the carbon monoxide produced by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied to the methane production unit 15.

[0019] The electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 is an endothermic reaction. Heat required for the electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 may be supplied by various methods. At least heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer 11 is supplied to the electrolysis unit 13. In addition, heat generated by the methanation reaction in the methane generation unit 15 may be supplied to the electrolysis unit 13. In addition, heat may be supplied to the electrolysis unit 13 using a heater or the like.

[0020] The electrolysis unit 13 may be configured to include, for example, a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC).

[0021] The heat exchange section 14 may perform heat exchange between the partial oxidation reformer 11 and the electrolysis section 13. The heat exchange section 14 may be, for example, a metal heat transfer body having relatively high thermal conductivity. A part of the heat exchange section 14 serving as a heat transfer body may be in close proximity to the partial oxidation reformer 11. Furthermore, a part of the heat exchange section 14 serving as a heat transfer body may be in direct or indirect contact with the partial oxidation reformer 11. Furthermore, a part of the heat exchange section 14 serving as a heat transfer body may be in close proximity to the electrolysis section 13. Furthermore, a part of the heat exchange section 14 serving as a heat transfer body may be in direct or indirect contact with the electrolysis section 13.

[0022] The methane generation unit 15 may generate methane using hydrogen generated in the electrolysis unit 13. In a configuration in which the electrolysis unit 13 performs co-electrolysis, the methane generation unit 15 may generate methane using carbon monoxide generated in the electrolysis unit 13. In a configuration in which the electrolysis unit 13 performs water electrolysis, in other words, in a configuration in which carbon monoxide is not generated, the methane generation unit 15 may generate methane using carbon dioxide captured or separated from the atmosphere.

[0023] At least a portion of the methane produced by the methane production section 15 may be stored in the third tank 18 and shipped. At least a portion of the methane produced by the methane production section 15 may be supplied to the partial oxidation reformer 11.

[0024] The methane generation unit 15 may generate methane through a chemical reaction using a catalyst or the like. The methanation reaction in the methane generation unit 15 is an exothermic reaction. Heat from the methanation reaction may be supplied to the electrolysis unit 13. The heat from the methanation reaction may be supplied by placing the methane generation unit 15 and the electrolysis unit 13 close to each other, or may be supplied using a heat transfer material.

[0025] The partial oxidation reformer 11 may be disposed at a position away from the fuel cell section 12. The partial oxidation reformer 11 may be disposed close to the electrolysis section 13. Disposed close to the electrolysis section 13 means that the partial oxidation reformer 11 is disposed at a distance that allows heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer 11 to be transferred to the electrolysis section 13. The partial oxidation reformer 11 may be disposed between the fuel cell section 12 and the electrolysis section 13.

[0026] The partial oxidation reformer 11, the fuel cell section 12, and the electrolysis section 13 may be formed physically as one unit. "Physically formed as one unit" means that the partial oxidation reformer 11, the fuel cell section 12, and the electrolysis section 13 are integrated with the same or different members via adhesive, welding, or fastening members such as bolts and nuts.

[0027] The energy system 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a partial oxidation reformer 11 that generates fuel from raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming, a fuel cell unit 12 that generates power using the fuel, and an electrolysis unit 13 that is supplied with heat generated by a partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer 11 and electrolyzes at least water. With this configuration, the energy system 10 uses the heat from the partial oxidation reaction for electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13, so the amount of heat required to heat the electrolysis unit 13 by a heater or the like can be reduced. Therefore, the energy system 10 can improve energy efficiency. In addition, since the energy system 10 uses the partial oxidation reformer 11 that performs an exothermic reaction, the reformer for generating fuel can be arranged independently of the fuel cell unit 12, which can increase the degree of freedom in design.

[0028] Moreover, in the energy system 10, the fuel cell section 12 is disposed at a position away from the partial oxidation reformer 11. With such a configuration, the energy system 10 can suppress excessive heating of the fuel cell section 12 due to heat from the partial oxidation reformer 11. Furthermore, since the fuel cell section 12 and the partial oxidation reformer 11 can heat different parts of the energy system 10, the amount of heat required for heating using a heater or the like can be reduced. Therefore, the energy system 10 can improve energy efficiency.

[0029] Moreover, in the energy system 10, the partial oxidation reformer 11 is disposed in close proximity to the electrolysis unit 13. With such a configuration, the energy system 10 can increase the amount of heat transferred from the partial oxidation reformer 11 to the electrolysis unit 13.

[0030] The energy system 10 also includes a heat exchange unit 14 that performs heat exchange between the partial oxidation reformer 11 and the electrolysis unit 13. With this configuration, the energy system 10 makes it easier to transfer heat generated in the partial oxidation reformer 11 to the electrolysis unit 13.

[0031] Moreover, in the energy system 10, the partial oxidation reformer 11 is disposed between the fuel cell section 12 and the electrolysis section 13. With such a configuration, the energy system 10 can suppress interference of piping connecting the partial oxidation reformer 11 to the fuel cell section 12 and the electrolysis section 13. Therefore, the energy system 10 can be made smaller overall.

[0032] Moreover, in the energy system 10, the partial oxidation reformer 11, the fuel cell section 12, and the electrolysis section 13 are physically formed as one unit. With such a configuration, the energy system 10 can be made smaller overall. Furthermore, since the energy system 10 can place the fuel cell section 12 and the electrolysis section 13 in close proximity to each other, the exhaust heat in the fuel cell section 12 can be utilized for electrolysis in the electrolysis section 13. Therefore, the energy system 10 can reduce the amount of heat required to heat the electrolysis section 13 using a heater or the like. Therefore, the energy system 10 can improve energy efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, in the energy system 10, at least a portion of the oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis unit 13 is supplied to the partial oxidation reformer 11. With this configuration, the energy system 10 can reduce the concentration of gases other than oxygen that do not contribute to the exothermic reaction in the partial oxidation reformer 11. Therefore, the energy system 10 can increase the temperature of the partial oxidation reformer 11 compared to a configuration in which partial oxidation reforming is performed using only atmospheric air. As a result, the energy system 10 can supply more heat to the electrolysis unit 13.

[0034] In one embodiment, (1) an energy system includes: a partial oxidation reformer that generates fuel from a raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming; a fuel cell unit that generates electricity using the fuel; and an electrolysis section that is supplied with heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer and electrolyzes at least water.

[0035] (2) In the energy system described in (1) above, The fuel cell section is disposed at a position separated from the partial oxidation reformer.

[0036] (3) In the energy system described in (1) or (2) above, The partial oxidation reformer is disposed adjacent to the electrolysis section.

[0037] (4) Any of the energy systems (1) to (3) above, The fuel cell further includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between the partial oxidation reformer and the electrolysis unit.

[0038] (5) In any of the energy systems (1) to (4) above, The partial oxidation reformer is disposed between the fuel cell section and the electrolysis section.

[0039] (6) In any of the energy systems (1) to (5) above, The partial oxidation reformer, the fuel cell section, and the electrolysis section are physically formed as one unit.

[0040] (7) In any of the energy systems (1) to (6) above, At least a portion of the oxygen produced by electrolysis in the electrolysis section is supplied to the partial oxidation reformer.

[0041] The drawings for explaining the embodiments according to the present disclosure are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0042] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions, etc. included in each component, etc. can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

[0043] For example, in the present embodiment, in the energy system 10, fuel generated from a raw fuel using the partial oxidation reformer 11 is supplied to the fuel cell section 12. However, the energy system 10 may be configured such that fuel is generated from a part of the raw fuel by a steam reforming reaction in a steam reformer, and the fuel is supplied to the fuel cell section 12 together with the fuel supplied from the partial oxidation reformer 11.

[0044] Also, the energy system 10 may be configured so that heat generated by power generation in the fuel cell section 12 is used to heat the electrolysis section 13. With such a configuration, the energy system 10 can further reduce the amount of heat required to heat the electrolysis section 13 using a heater or the like. Therefore, the energy system 10 can further improve the energy efficiency. Since the amount of heat absorbed in the electrolysis of carbon dioxide is greater than that in the electrolysis of water, a configuration in which heat from the fuel cell section 12 is used to heat the electrolysis section 13 is preferable for the electrolysis section 13 that performs co-electrolysis.

[0045] All of the features described in this disclosure and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein may be combined in any combination except those combinations in which the features are mutually exclusive. Also, each feature described in this disclosure may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Thus, unless expressly denied, each disclosed feature is only one example of a generic series of the same or equivalent features.

[0046] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any of the specific configurations of the embodiments described above, but rather extend to any novel feature or combination of features described herein, or any novel method or process step or combination of features described herein.

[0047] In this disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the configuration. In the configurations distinguished by descriptions such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure, the numbers in the configurations can be exchanged. For example, the first tank can exchange the identifiers "first" and "second" with the second tank. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the exchange of identifiers. The identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which an identifier has been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. The descriptions of identifiers such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure should not be used solely to interpret the order of the configurations or to justify the existence of an identifier with a smaller number. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Energy Systems 11 Partial oxidation reformer 12 Fuel cell section 13 Electrolytic section 14 Heat exchange section 15 Methane Production Section 16 First Tank 17 Second Tank 18. The Third Tank

Claims

1. a partial oxidation reformer that generates fuel from a raw fuel by partial oxidation reforming; a fuel cell unit that generates electricity using the fuel; an electrolysis unit that is supplied with heat generated by the partial oxidation reaction in the partial oxidation reformer and electrolyzes at least water. Energy system.

2. 2. The energy system according to claim 1, The fuel cell unit is disposed at a position away from the partial oxidation reformer. Energy system.

3. In the energy system according to claim 1 or 2, The partial oxidation reformer is disposed adjacent to the electrolysis unit. Energy system.

4. In the energy system according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between the partial oxidation reformer and the electrolysis unit. Energy system.

5. In the energy system according to claim 1 or 2, The partial oxidation reformer is disposed between the fuel cell section and the electrolysis section. Energy system.

6. In the energy system according to claim 1 or 2, The partial oxidation reformer, the fuel cell section, and the electrolysis section are physically integrated. Energy system.

7. In the energy system according to claim 1 or 2, At least a portion of the oxygen generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis section is supplied to the partial oxidation reformer. Energy system.

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